Bodh Gaya: Birthplace of the Buddhism
Bodh Gaya, the birthplace of Buddhism, is located in northern Indian state of Bihar. Bodh Gaya’s importance in Buddhism stems from the fact that Bodh Gaya is the place where Gautama Buddha (the founder of Buddhism) attained enlightenment some 2400 years ago. Gautama Buddha was actually a prince in one of the region’s royal families. However, the suffering of the people around him perplexed him and he sought answers to the inner questions plaguing his mind. He meditated for a long period of time under a sacred fig tree, which is today known as the Maha Bodhi Tree. The Bodhi tree that we see today is not the original tree but the fifth direct descendent. Today, the Bodhi tree is surrounded by a concrete wall-like thing and is well cared for. Opposite the temple, lies the Maha Bodhi temple, which is perhaps the holiest site in the whole of Buddhism. The main temple sits on a 48 square feet base and rises in the air to a height of 170 feet.
Today, Bodh Gaya is a UNESCO declared World Heritage Site and plans are being made to redevelop the entire town of Bodh Gaya along greener and more modern lines.
Places to visit in Bodh Gaya
Bodh Gaya is strategically located and is very near to some of the most important heritage sites and pilgrimage centres in this part of India. Further, Nepal is also quite accessible from Bodh Gaya. There are many major heritage sites within close proximity of Bodh Gaya.
- Perhaps, the most obvious is the famous Hindu pilgrimage and heritage town of Gaya. Gaya contains many historically significant temples and stupas. Bodh Gaya is also surrounded by many caves and cave complexes many of which are around 2000 years old.
- The more prominent caves in this region are Barabar cave, Karan Chaupa cave, Sudama cave, Lomas Rishi cave and Visva Zopri cave.
- The many Buddhist monasteries in Bodh Gaya, including the Bhutanese Monastery, Thai Monastery, Tibetan Monastery, Chinese Monastery, Myanmar Monastery, Japanese Monastery and Sri Lankan Monastery, too, are excellent tourism sites.
Bodh Gaya- Travel tips, languages spoken, cuisine
- Languages: Hindi and Bhojpuri are widely spoken, and as such communication should not be a problem.
- Cuisine: Due to the heavy Buddhist and Hindu in Bodh Gaya, cuisine would largely be vegetarian.
- Bodh Gaya is strategically located and the most prominent heritage landmarks of the region are at best a few hours’ drive. Bodh Gaya guided tours and Bodh Gaya architecture tours are offered by many tour operators and tour companies. Official and certified tour guides are also readily available.
Best time to visit Bodh Gaya
Though, Bodh Gaya can be visited any time of the year, the summers here can be very hot. The winters are rather better but temperatures here sometimes drop to less than 6–7 degree Celsius. The region where Bodh Gaya is located occasionally receives moderate to heavy rainfall during the monsoons. Consequently, it is believed that the best time to visit Bodh Gaya is between the months of October and March. However, if one intends to visit Bodh Gaya largely for religious purposes, Bodh Gaya is best during one of the many Buddhist or Hindu festivals.
Best way to visit Bodh Gaya
- By Air: The Gaya Airport is located 13 kms away. However, Patna, one of India’s most prominent domestic airports, is the more convenient airport and is located 112 kms away.
- By Rail: Gaya is the nearest railway station and is located a mere 13 kms away. Gaya is one of the region’s more important railway stations, and is well connected to almost all major cities in the region.
- By Road: Bodh Gaya is well connected to all the important cities in the region. Buses are aplenty from all towns/cities in the region.
Accommodation
Hotels, inspection bungalows, private cottages, etc. are available to suit all budgets. Bodh Gaya abounds in family holiday bungalows. One can obtain excellent discounts on accommodation via heritage and pilgrimage tour packages.